General Information

Governance

By legislative act, a nine-member Board of Regents appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate governs The University of Texas System and its member institutions, including Stephen F. Austin State University. Each member serves a six-year term, with three new appointments every two years. Each year the governor also appoints a student from one of The University of Texas System member institutions as a non-voting member of the Board of Regents to serve a one-year term. This board sets general policies and rules that govern the System. SFA is further governed by the rules and policies set by The University of Texas System administration, as deleted by the Board of Regents.

University Mission

Stephen F. Austin State University is a comprehensive institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative work and service. Through the personal attention of our faculty and staff, we engage our students in a learner-centered environment and offer opportunities to prepare for the challenges of living in the global community.

Accreditation

Founded in 1923, Stephen F. Austin State University is a comprehensive public institution located in Nacogdoches, Texas. SFA is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative work and service. Throughout the university, faculty and staff provide personal attention, engaging students in a learner-centered environment and offering opportunities to prepare for the challenges of living in the global community. SFA benefits the East Texas community and the state of Texas by providing a high quality, affordable education.

Initial institutional accreditation was received in 1927 as Stephen Austin State Teachers College from the accrediting body now known as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). From 1951-68, accreditation as Stephen F. Austin State College was in place. Since 1968, accreditation as Stephen F. Austin State University is active. The last SFA SACSCOC reaffirmation occurred in 2021, and the next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2031. The following statement provides information regarding the current SFA institutional accreditation:

Stephen F. Austin State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials, such as certificates and diplomas, at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of SFA may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097; by calling (404) 679-4500; or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website at www.sacscoc.org.

Colleges and universities in the United States and all over the world recognize credit earned at SFA. Numerous programs of study at the university are accredited by specialized accrediting agencies. For accreditation of specific programs of study, visit SFA’s Accreditation webpage.

Administration

View members of the President’s Cabinet.

View members of Academic Leadership.

Research and Graduate Studies

Lorenzo Smith, PhD - Acting Dean for the Office of Research and Graduate Studies

Student Affairs

Andrew Dies, EdD - Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students